Richmond City Council approves new residency requirement, smoke shop restrictions

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond City Council recently passed a handful of ordinances which Mayor Danny Avula is convinced will frame lasting change and a healthier environment for young people in the River City.

These ordinances include an updated residency requirement for some city-appointed and city employee positions and location restrictions for opening a new smoke shop.

One ordinance passed will require 43 of Richmond's permanent officers and employees to live in the city to keep their job. Another ordinance bars people from opening a smoke shop within 1,000 feet of an existing store of its kind and within 1,000 feet from certain organizations and establishments.

Starting Sept. 1, dozens of city employees ranging from chief of fire and emergency services to chief capital projects manager will have to make their "principal residence" in Richmond.

Employees will have 18 months to figure out their living situation once they start their respective position, but Mayor Avula and Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald say they are open to listen to anyone who says living in Richmond is not a possibility or would create "undue burden."

Those approved to live outside RVA still have to live within a 60-mile radius of city limits.

Some policymakers, including 4th District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker, argue this rule will build transparency in the city.

Another rule, though effective immediately, comes as other policymakers, like 2nd District Councilmember Katherine Jordan, said they have noticed more smoke shops opening around RVA's schools and gathering spaces. So, a second ordinance is designed to limit their density.

Those wanting to open a smoke shop cannot build or open one 1,000 feet within an existing smoke shop, day care, public or private school, park, public library, place of worship, residential district or residential-office district.